I’m going to assume that no matter what, you’ll be carrying some cash. And if you’re going to another country, you’ll be changing at least some of that cash into the local currency.

Now, I’m someone who packs meticulously (as I’m sure you’ve noticed by now). Everything has its place — my passport, my dollar bills, my malaria pills, whatever. Places are assigned before I ever leave home, and I don’t leave home with extra space just waiting to be filled. Every bit of space is maximized and efficient. And I tend to get a little smug about it. (Who me?)

So I was totally unprepared for the Malawi Kwacha.

When I traveled to Malawi in 2010, the exchange rate was roughly 150 Kwacha to 1 U.S. Dollar. When we first arrived in the country, I wanted to change $300. I handed over three thin and crisp $100 bills, which of course had fit nicely in the slot of my money pouch — the place I’d designated for dollar bills.

What I got in return was this pile of cash.

My pathetic little money pouch was no match.

Throughout the trip I had bills stuffed in so many different pockets and zippered compartments of my luggage and day pack I could never really get a feel for how much money I had on me at any given time.

Lesson learned.

Do some exchange rate math before you leave home.

Leave some space for a pile of cash.

How do you carry money? And what do you do with a stack of bills when you’re traveling and trying NOT to look like you’re carrying a stack of bills?

My job is to get all the contestants in the Intermediate Fiddle Playoffs lined up and ready to go. All I really have to do is check to make sure the contestants are standing nearby, and then I just get to wish them luck as they go on stage.

Secondary responsibility is — and I quote — to make sure no one falls off the back of the platform. So far I’ve got a 100 percent safety rating on that one. It’s good to put the OCD person in charge of safety. 🙂

I have to credit my friend Michelle for recruiting me to help at this event, which is something I probably wouldn’t have attended on my own.

I’ve never been a big lover of music festivals. But I find that having a job to do for a few hours helps make the event more personal. And I end up experiencing a world and interacting with people I wouldn’t know otherwise — right here in my own hometown (well, close enough).

As summer approaches, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for this. Give it a try!

Impromptu singing and playing happens all day long.The festival is held at former western movie location Paramount Ranch.

Have you ever had to change your plans at the last minute? How did it go?

24 Apr 2014

20 Apr 2014

Camping! A whole new excuse to organize gear.

I wish I had a picture of this. I’m maybe 6 years old, we’re camping in Tuolumne Meadows and taking a stroll around the campground. We turn a corner and there it is. A bear. Sitting at a picnic table, just like a person would. Gobbling up someone’s food.

I’m not even sure the memory’s mine. I know I was there, but it’s one of those family stories that’s told so many times I don’t know if I remember the event itself or just the re-telling of it. But I sure wish we had a picture!

Ok, it’s camping week on OCDtravel.com!

Why? Because I’m going camping soon, and if I write about it I can write off all the fun gear I’m buying 🙂

Because, let’s face it, camping is a great excuse for a gear-head like me to go to REI.

Fortunately, I already had most of what I need, thanks to my parents — who loaded me up with tent, sleeping bags, stove and dishes a long time ago. I’ve finally rescued the supplies from someone else’s attic (to the homeowner’s relief, I’m sure) and now I’m going to put them to use. Yay!

I grew up camping once a month — every month — throughout my entire childhood. John Denver, patron saint of the outdoors, provided the soundtrack (along with Kenny Rogers and Weird Al Yankovic) in our tricked-out Chevy van (orange/gold metallic, shag carpet, matching velvet curtains… oh yeah! Wish I had a better picture — this van became my very own wheels in high school).

We lived in Central California, so we had Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks practically in our backyard (well, a few hours away, but still). So I’m spoiled when it comes to magnificent mountains.

I haven’t camped much as an adult. But now I feel like I’m rediscovering a lost love. It could just be the anticipation, but I think the mountains and me (and John Denver) go together pretty well.

But here are some less-obvious punches you might not be ready for.

[Obligatory caveat – I’m no fitness expert. Consult your doctor before doing anything strenuous. Also, if you know more about exercise than I do, please share your fitness ideas in the comments. Thanks!]

Squatting

Let’s face it: our backsides are pampered here in the States. While traveling you could be faced with any number of toilet scenarios that will shock your delicate sensibilities: creatures swimming (true story), seat covered with ?????, no seat at all, or simply a hole in the ground.

At some point you’ll end up on a bus that is careening around cliff-side roads that curve left, curve right, curve left again … you get the idea. There’s nothing holding you in place, so your core muscles start to brace to keep you from leaning into the stranger next to you.

Focus on your core with planks. (Unless you want to get close to the stranger next to you. I’m not judging.)

Steady-ing

This is for those times when there’s no seat available on the bus mentioned above. So you’re standing. Around the curves. Maybe there’s something to hold onto. Maybe not. Hope your legs are up to the task.

Unless you’re on a tour that includes people carrying your bags for you, you’ll be employing arm muscles that have never seen active duty. You’ll lift your carry-on to the overhead bin. You might lift your full bag to the luggage-organizer-guy on the roof of the aforementioned bus.

At some point you’ll probably have to climb several flights of stairs with your bag in hand or on your back. Or, if you like quaint hillside colonial towns (like I do), you’ll end up climbing those quaint hillsides on foot – because, to keep the town quaint for us touristy types, the town keeps all ancient narrow meandering roads (or footpaths) as-is. Your legs and lungs don’t always appreciate this as much as the rest of you does.

Get your climbing muscles ready with a treadmill set to an incline.

Have I missed any? And how would you fitness experts prepare for these movements? (Short of simply traveling more, which is always highly recommended.)

And remember this one thing – it’s all worth it! A little soreness is a small price to pay for experiencing the world beyond your city limits.

2 Apr 2014

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Travel light.

Efficient, expansive travel requires less, not more.
One bag that serves multiple functions.
A sarong that's also a towel, blanket or sheet.
Clothing layers that pack small and carry light.
A daypack with one-reach access to essentials.
A pocket for my Chapstick.

My OCD

can make me feel encumbered and anxious. But the lighter I travel the more liberated I feel (as long as my Chapstick and water bottle are within reach).

Join me!

"Less" requires planning. For me, honing the art of traveling light is a journey unto itself. And I STILL haven't found the perfect travel bag.

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Disclaimer

The content on this site is based on the personal experiences of an OCD-positive traveler. It is not medical advice. If you think you suffer from anxiety, seek the counsel of a medical professional. Believe me, it helps.